3 UMPSA PASKAM Second Lieutenants receive Best Cadet Award Series 1/2023

GAMBANG, 9 August 2025 – Three Second Lieutenants of the Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) Maritime Cadet Corps (PASKAM) created personal history when they were named recipients of the PASKAM Best Cadet Award Series 1/2023 at the PASKAM UMPSA Second Lieutenant Commissioning and Graduation Ceremony held at Dewan Astaka, Gambang Campus recently.

The highest honour was presented by Pahang State Maritime Director, First Admiral (Maritime) Haji Mazlan Mat Rejab, accompanied by UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias.

Also present were senior officers of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), university management, parents, and families of the cadets.

The Overall Best Cadet Award recipient was PASKAM Second Lieutenant Nurwaldan Wasiq Khairul Nizar, 23, from Georgetown, Penang, who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Honours at the Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology (FTKMA).

The Deputy President of PASKAM Series 1/2023 was recognised for his overall excellence in leadership, discipline, academics, and character.

According to Nurwaldan Wasiq, he had been attracted to the maritime world and its challenges, which demand high discipline, from the very beginning.

“PASKAM has been the best platform to test myself and serve the nation’s security.

“This training is a process of building confidence, resilience, and leadership skills,” he said.

He also reminded students to be bold in challenging themselves and to step out of their comfort zone.

“If you want an experience that will change your life, join PASKAM.

“Challenge yourself, step out of your comfort zone.

“You will discover a stronger and more resilient version of yourself,” he added.

Meanwhile, PASKAM Second Lieutenant Muhammad Amirul Hakim Bizun, 24, from Masai, Johor, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Technology in Oil and Gas Facility Maintenance with Honours at the Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology (FTKKP), was announced as the recipient of the Best Outdoor Training Cadet Award.

The Treasurer of PASKAM Series 1/2023 excelled with high physical and mental endurance as well as full commitment during field training.

He expressed deep appreciation for the guidance given by the trainers throughout the training, especially to his squad, which consistently worked together in undergoing the rather challenging outdoor training.

The Best Academic Cadet Award went to PASKAM Second Lieutenant Eeswarri Mani Wanan, 24, from Kajang, Selangor, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Project Management with Honours at the Faculty of Industrial Management (FPI).

Eeswarri said that she was initially interested in joining PASKAM due to her passion for uniformed activities and challenging outdoor tasks.

“Throughout the training, I learnt to improve self-discipline, teamwork, and effective time management.

“This recognition is proof that all efforts have finally borne fruit and it inspires me to continue making my family proud,” she explained.

This event carried its own significance as it was the first time it was held since the establishment of PASKAM UMPSA on 17 August 2023, symbolising the beginning of the university youths’ journey of service and leadership in the maritime world.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Dr Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press